U.S. 5th Fleet Reserve Sailors Join Forces at IMX 2025’s Global Naval Exercise

More than 80 Reservists were pivotal participants in the ninth iteration of the International Maritime Exercise (IMX), hailed as the largest multinational training event in the Middle East. This year’s IMX brought together 5,000 personnel from over 30 countries and international organizations dedicated to maintaining a rules-based international order and bolstering regional maritime security cooperation.

Throughout the exercise, Reservists engaged in various NAVCENT operations, offering their expertise in intelligence briefings, logistics planning, and medical emergency responses. These activities were crafted to seamlessly integrate them into active-component roles, ensuring readiness at a moment’s notice while fostering collaboration with allied nations.

The training took place at the Maritime Operations Center, offering Reservists hands-on experiences necessary for future deployments. Chief Operations Specialist Brendan McLendon emphasized the increased realism of this year’s exercise, noting the presence of actual ships and events added a new level of immersion. Intelligence Specialist 1st Class Christopher Stark, a seasoned IMX participant, highlighted the enhanced collaboration with partner nations, praising the professionalism and diverse expertise they brought to the table.

The exercise underscored the value of pre-existing relationships with allied forces, as mentioned by McLendon. Rear Adm. Jeff Jurgemeyer, NAVCENT/C5F vice commander, addressed the 83 reserve Sailors at IMX’s conclusion, commending their contribution to Bahrain’s operations. He stressed the significance of Reserve Sailors in an evolving global security context and highlighted the positive feedback received from Vice Adm. Wikoff, chief of U.S. Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. 5th Fleet. The ability to seamlessly integrate Reservists and active-duty personnel was particularly lauded.

NAVCENT/C5F operates as the maritime component commander of U.S. Central Command within the U.S. 5th Fleet area, encompassing approximately 2.5 million square miles of water. This vast region includes the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and parts of the Indian Ocean. Notably, it contains critical chokepoints including the Suez Canal, Bab al-Mandeb Strait, and the Strait of Hormuz.